President Bush has chosen US ambassador to Iraq John Negroponte to become the United States' first director of national intelligence. Calling intelligence the nation's first line of defense, Mr. Bush said Thursday Mr. Negroponte will ensure the United States' 15 intelligence agencies work as one. Mr. Bush said the director will have budgetary control over the agencies, and will provide daily intelligence briefings to the president. The president said Mr. Negroponte's service in Iraq has given him a close look at a deadly enemy -- something Mr. Bush called a huge advantage for an intelligence chief. Congress created the post of national intelligence director on the recommendation of the commission that investigated the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. Mr. Negroponte must still be confirmed by the Senate.